Sea Knotgrass (Polygonum maritimum)

Sea Knotgrass

Polygonum maritimum

It hugs coastal sands with tough, trailing stems, a quiet guardian of shorelines. Low-growing coastal perennial; common name: Sea Knotgrass.

Full sun
0–1/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Full sun exposure; tolerant of coastal salt spray and strong winds
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Watering Drought-tolerant; relies on natural coastal mist and rainfall; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
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Temperature Hardy to mild frosts; withstands high coastal summer temperatures without heat stress
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Small, fleshy linear to oblong gray-green leaves with succulent texture for moisture retention
  • Flower: Tiny pale pink to white clustered flowers in leaf axils
  • Stem: Prostrate wiry stems that root at nodes to form dense groundcover mats
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Care Guide

Watering

Minimal supplemental water; rely on natural rainfall or coastal mist

Fertilization

No regular fertilization needed. Excess fertilization can disrupt its low-nutrient coastal adaptation

Crushed eggshell powder:Sprinkle a thin layer of finely crushed eggshells around plant bases once every 3 months to improve soil drainage and add calcium
Pruning
  • Trim overgrown trailing stems in late spring to maintain a tidy mat shape
  • Remove dead or yellowed foliage to prevent debris buildup in dense mats
  • Thin crowded sections to improve airflow and reduce coastal fungal risk
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No listed toxicity to cats

Humans: No documented toxicity to humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Coastal erosion control, ornamental ground cover for sandy landscapes